Hon. Emmanuel Umah, a grassroot mobilize, thoroughbred professional, politician, a social analyst and a Mass Communication graduate from Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, is the Chapter Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in INI Local Government Area. He shares his thoughts, exclusively, with IBOM TELEGRAPH. Excerpts:
The Akwa Ibom State Secretariat of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) was agog recently when Governor Udom Emmanuel donated 31 brand new buses to all the Chapter Chairmen of the party. What is the feeling like, back home?
I really want to pour encomiums on the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for the kind gesture. For two years we have asked, as the tradition of the party, that buses be given to Chapters of the party to enable them access villages the interior and also attend political functions and the Governor kept telling us that we will get our buses at the right time. And as a man who keeps to his words, he fulfilled that promise at the right time. The Governor did not just give us brand new buses but buses that are compliant with modern technologies like in-built television and all that. It has been marvelous and that is why the Chapter Chairmen did not only smile but also went to God in thanksgiving to the Governor. He has given the PDP Chapters a new face and direction. We know he is going to do more for us.
The Senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio, recently commissioned some of his constituency projects in INI Local Government Area. What was the reception like and how would these projects impact on the people of the area?
It is very significant to note that the Senator representing my Senatorial District, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is also the Senate Minority Leader, embarked on commissioning some lofty projects. We were not surprise. The life of the former Governor of the state has always revolved around touching lives and communities. He came to INI Local Government to inspect and commission some of his constituency projects that included 20-Locked up Stores at Mbiabong Ikot Udofia, a very popular market that also serves people from neighbouring Abia State. It is a laudable project that has direct impact on the people of the area and by extension the people of Akwa Ibom State. He also came to inspect many other projects and the road that leads to the market, which is about 90% completion. We have nothing to say than to say thank you to the Senate Minority Leader and we believe and pray God that in years to come, more projects will be drawn to the area to his credit and to the glory of God.
How would you describe the last local government election that threw up a candidate of your party as the Chairman of INI Local Government Council?
Election has been won and it is either you are afraid as a candidate representing your party or you are on ground. I want to say this with every sense of courage and humility that we never filed in a candidate that will bring fear to the people of INI and to the party. We had a candidate that emerged and truly represented the interest of the people. And what is the interest of the people? The interest of the people is someone that is closer to the grassroots; someone that has been tested and trusted over the years and Hon. Israel Idaisin fitted properly into that mould. As the Chapter Chairman of the party, with the support of the people of INI, we mobilized and garnered supports from all the 10 Wards for him. As a party, we are here to render service to the people and, with the collaboration of the local government council; we will ensure all the campaign promises are fulfilled.
As a party man, what is your take on the recently alleged feud between Governor Udom Emmanuel and Senator Godswill Akpabio?
There was nothing like a feud. I have come to realize over the years that politics is just a game of interest and when your interest is not protected, it is allow for one to be vocal about it in the process of demanding for it. For me, Akwa Ibom is one and PDP is one and there is no acrimony between these men.
It is clear that electioneering for the 2019 election is in top gear. Do you think INI Local Government Area will still be a stronghold for the PDP?
By the grace of God, like I have always said, INI Local Government has not only proven to be a stronghold for PDP at the local government level but to the state and Nigeria at large and we have become an example to other local government areas in the state. PDP in INI local government is waxing stronger on daily basis. We preach peace and unity and this has helped us a lot. So, PDP is on ground in INI Local Government and PDP will continue to be on ground till 2019 and beyond.
What would be your assessment of the Udom Emmanuel’s administration, Senator Akpabio’s representation and the newly elected Chairman of INI Local Government Council?
I keep on saying to the people of INI that the time for INI Local Government has come. God has a designed time for everything and for everybody and I think it was time for the government to visit the people of INI Local Government because its time has come. Governor Udom Emmanuel has done tremendously well for the people of INI Local Government. If you have visited INI Local Government recently, you will agree with me that the Governor has done so well for us. One of the major projects, the road that traverse my village, Ikpe Ikot Nkon, all the way to Arochukwu, is ongoing. The road is about 14.5Km and from where the project starts, which is my village, to the river, work is completed. From the other side of the river together with the bridge, work is ongoing. That road has given much live, not only to the people of INI Local Government but to people from our sister state, Abia State. For this, we say kudos to Governor Udom Emmanuel.
There is also a Rice Farm where cultivation is ongoing. We have also donated some good hectares of land to the State Government for Cocoa cultivation and there is a high prospect that some Mexicans may come in with Cocoa Processing Plant. These are just a tip of the iceberg from the Governor. We have one of the best Commissioners in the person of Dr Gloria Edet, who is manning the Ministry of Women Affairs. We have the Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly in the person of Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Board members and so many Aides to the Governor from the area. The Governor has done us proud. And the Senate Minority Leader, in complimenting the efforts of the Governor, has also shown capacity in bringing so many constituency projects to INI Local Government. For the Council Chairman, he has just donated a piece of land for Rice Mill to a company that has Rice Farm in my local government. The Chairman has done so many other things and he is also working to compliment the efforts of the Senate Minority Leader at the Mbiaobong Ikot Udofia Market by building over 100 stalks. He has opened up access road to some remote villages. As we speak, these three men have in a way complemented each other in terms of development to the people INI Local Government.
As Chapter Chairman, how have you been relating with your executive members and the people of INI?
As a Chapter Chairman of the PDP in my local government, it is a call to service and I see myself being lucky to serve humanity. In terms of inclusiveness, I have been able to bring all parties together to ensure peace, development and the future of INI people. Without being boastful, my executive members are very proud of me as their Chapter Chairman, because truth, integrity have been me watchword. My executive members have been very supportive. They have been there for the party and for what is good.
As a party man, what words will you give to the people of INI, particularly the youths who may be looking up to you as their role model?
I am a man of the people. I have always been a man of the people. The youths of Akwa Ibom, not only that of INI Local Government, have been my interest and I have always told them that with peace with can achieve the height in our endeavours. So, they should be resolute, determined, focused and diversify their interest away from politics to learning trade and other things. Shun vices and in everything you do, put God first.
The Governor was recently quoted to have said “the party will adhere to the principle of zoning in the forthcoming election but there is need to streamline.” What is your take on this statement?
Governor Udom Emmanuel has been a man of his word. He has really enshrined zoning into our polity and this has really helped democracy. If I may interpret the mind of the Governor in terms of that statement, he meant credibility will also be a yardstick for electing our people into elective position and that is where the streamlining came to play. For instance, if zoning favours a particular area and you have over 10 people aspiring for an office. It is certain that all of them cannot get it. That is where the streamlining comes into play. We will go for someone with integrity, credibility and one that has the masses at heart.
